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Business Standard
6 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
Smartphones before 13? Study warns of long-term mental health issues
Children who start using smartphones before the age of 13 may be at a higher risk of developing mental health issues as young adults, says a new study published in the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities. The study is based on analysis of data from the Global Mind Project, which has surveyed nearly two million people across 163 countries. What does the study say? Researchers from the Sapien Labs mapped the data on young adults using the Mind Health Quotient (MHQ), a self-assessment tool that measures social, emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being, to generate an overall mental health score. The study revealed a striking pattern - the earlier a person received their first smartphone, the worse their mental health outcomes tended to be by early adulthood. A key finding shows that younger age groups have worse mental health than older ones, with 41 per cent of individuals in the 18–34 age group experiencing issues that seriously affect their daily lives Forty-eight per cent of females aged 18–24 who got a smartphone at age five or six report having suicidal thoughts. In comparison, only 28 per cent of females who got a smartphone at age 13 report the same. For males, 31 per cent who got a phone at age five or six report suicidal thoughts. This dropped to 20 per cent for those who got a phone at 13. Age of access to social media accounted for about 40 per cent of the overall association between age of smartphone ownership and mental health. The study also observed that in English-speaking countries, young adults got access to smartphones and social media earlier than those in Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East. On average, they received their first smartphone at age 11, compared to 14–16 in other regions. Mental health red flags The research found that early users are more likely to experience: Suicidal thoughts Low self-worth Social withdrawal Aggressive behaviour Children who began using smartphones at a young age were also more likely to feel disconnected from others and reported difficulty forming meaningful relationships. The data shows that getting a smartphone before age 13 often leads to earlier use of social media, despite age restrictions. This early access is linked to higher chances of cyberbullying, sexual abuse, weaker family bonds, and poor sleep. The experts also note that while the Covid-19 pandemic may have amplified this association, the consistency of these trends across global regions points to a broader developmental impact of early smartphone access. Why timing matters Experts believe that early adolescence is a sensitive period for brain development. Excessive screen time, especially on social media and messaging apps, may interfere with learning real-world social cues and coping mechanisms. Overstimulation, cyberbullying, and unrealistic social comparisons could all be contributing factors to the observed mental health issues. Dr Tara Thiagarajan, lead author of the study, warned that the earlier children are immersed in digital environments, the greater the risk of psychological disruption down the line. If more children keep getting smartphones and using social media at younger ages, the impact could be serious. Projections suggest that this trend alone may cause mental health issues in nearly one-third of the next generation. A call for digital boundaries The study says that limiting smartphone and social media use during childhood could have major benefits- It may reduce serious mental health issues in up to 8.5 per cent of young people. It could lower the rate of suicidal thoughts by up to 20 per cent. It may also improve emotional resilience and self-confidence in around 12 per cent of the younger population. Proposed policy measures- 1. Mandatory digital literacy and mental health education Introduce compulsory lessons in schools covering online safety, cyberbullying, algorithm awareness, and predator risks. This prepares children for responsible social media use and builds digital confidence. 2. Enforce age rules and hold tech companies accountable Ensure tech platforms follow age restrictions through better verification and penalties for violations. Like tobacco or alcohol regulations, corporate responsibility can reduce harm and ease pressure on parents. 3. Restrict social media for people under 13 Strictly enforce age 13+ rules on social platforms by blocking access on devices used by children. While verification and monitoring are challenges, this reinforces existing legal limits. 4. Limit smartphone access with safer alternatives Delay personal smartphone access and offer basic 'kid-friendly' phones without social media or addictive content to meet communication and learning needs without the risks. Enforcement may be difficult, but the long-term benefits are significant. What parents can do Parents and guardians play a key role in shaping digital habits. Here are some ways to protect young minds: Delay giving a smartphone until the teen years Encourage outdoor play and face-to-face social activities Set daily screen time limits Talk openly about online experiences and feelings Use parental controls and monitor app usage Experts recommend delaying smartphone access until ages 14 to 18, encouraging more face-to-face interactions, and promoting screen-free routines at home and in schools.
Gulf Today
22-07-2025
- Health
- Gulf Today
Smartphones before the age of 13 may raise suicidal thoughts, aggression risk in youth: Study
Children who own a smartphone before the age of 13 are more likely to experience poorer mental health and well-being in early adulthood, according to a global study of more than 100,000 young people released on Monday. The study, published in the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, found that 18- to 24-year-olds who had received their first smartphone at age 12 or younger were more likely to report suicidal thoughts, aggression, detachment from reality, poorer emotional regulation, and low self-worth. Smartphones give early social media access and increase the risks of cyberbullying, disrupted sleep, and poor family relationships by adulthood, the team said. "Our data indicates that early smartphone ownership -- and the social media access it often brings -- is linked with a profound shift in mental health and well-being in early adulthood," said lead author neuroscientist Dr. Tara Thiagarajan, the founder and Chief Scientist of US-based Sapien Labs. Thiagarajan called for urgent action to protect the mental health of future generations, as their symptoms are not the traditional depression and anxiety, and can be missed by studies using standard screening procedures. The researchers urged policymakers to adopt a precautionary approach, similar to regulations on alcohol and tobacco, by restricting smartphone access for under-13s. They also called for mandating digital literacy education and enforcing corporate accountability. In recent years, several countries have banned or restricted the use of cell phones in institutions, including France, the Netherlands, Italy, and New Zealand. Several states in the US have also passed legislation requiring schools to have policies that at least limit access to smartphones for children. For the study, the team at Sapiens mapped the data on 100,000 young adults using the Mind Health Quotient (MHQ) -- a self-assessment tool that measures social, emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being -- to generate an overall mental health score. Young adults who received their first smartphone before age 13 had lower MHQ scores, with scores progressively declining the younger the age of first ownership. Younger ownership was also linked with diminished self-image, self-worth, and confidence, and emotional resilience among females, and lower stability, calmness, self-worth, and empathy among males. "Our evidence suggests that childhood smartphone ownership, an early gateway into AI-powered digital environments, is profoundly diminishing mental health and well-being in adulthood, with deep consequences for individual agency and societal flourishing," Thiagarajan said. Indo-Asian News Service
NDTV
21-07-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Early Smartphone Use Linked To Suicidal Thoughts, Aggression In Youth: Study
New Delhi: Children who own a smartphone before the age of 13 are more likely to experience poorer mental health and well-being in early adulthood, according to a global study of more than 100,000 young people released on Monday. The study, published in the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, found that 18- to 24-year-olds who had received their first smartphone at age 12 or younger were more likely to report suicidal thoughts, aggression, detachment from reality, poorer emotional regulation, and low self-worth. Smartphones give early social media access and increase the risks of cyberbullying, disrupted sleep, and poor family relationships by adulthood, the team said. "Our data indicates that early smartphone ownership -- and the social media access it often brings -- is linked with a profound shift in mental health and well-being in early adulthood," said lead author neuroscientist Dr. Tara Thiagarajan, the founder and Chief Scientist of US-based Sapien Labs. Thiagarajan called for urgent action to protect the mental health of future generations, as their symptoms are not the traditional depression and anxiety, and can be missed by studies using standard screening procedures. The researchers urged policymakers to adopt a precautionary approach, similar to regulations on alcohol and tobacco, by restricting smartphone access for under-13s. They also called for mandating digital literacy education and enforcing corporate accountability. In recent years, several countries have banned or restricted the use of cell phones in institutions, including France, the Netherlands, Italy, and New Zealand. Several states in the US have also passed legislation requiring schools to have policies that at least limit access to smartphones for children. For the study, the team at Sapiens mapped the data on 100,000 young adults using the Mind Health Quotient (MHQ) -- a self-assessment tool that measures social, emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being -- to generate an overall mental health score. Young adults who received their first smartphone before age 13 had lower MHQ scores, with scores progressively declining the younger the age of first ownership. Younger ownership was also linked with diminished self-image, self-worth, and confidence, and emotional resilience among females, and lower stability, calmness, self-worth, and empathy among males. "Our evidence suggests that childhood smartphone ownership, an early gateway into AI-powered digital environments, is profoundly diminishing mental health and well-being in adulthood, with deep consequences for individual agency and societal flourishing," Thiagarajan said.
News18
22-04-2025
- Health
- News18
This Indian City Ranks Really Low On World Mental Health Index
The IT city faces a mental health crisis, ranking low in Sapien Labs' 2024 report. The city scored 58.3 on the MHQ scale, with youth particularly affected It's quite surprising that Hyderabad, famous for its thriving IT industry, is facing a decline in mental health. The 'Mental State of the World Report 2024′ by Washington DC-based Sapien Labs places Hyderabad among the bottom-ranking metropolitan cities in India for mental well-being. The study highlights a concerning mental health crisis, particularly among the youth of Hyderabad. Sapien Labs' report indicates that Hyderabad scored only 58.3 points on the Mental Health Quotient (MHQ) scale, considerably below the average score of 63. Meanwhile, Delhi occupies the second-lowest position with 54.4 points. This report, based on responses from over 75,000 people aged 18 to 55+, paints a concerning picture. The MHQ scale classifies mental health from 'distressed' to 'thriving', with Hyderabad's average falling between 'sustainable' and 'manageable'. One of the report's key findings highlights that 32 percent of Hyderabad residents fall into the 'conflicting' category, characterised by poor emotional relationships, high stress, and low mental performance. Sapien Labs director Shailendra Swaminathan notes that the most affected are youth and adults, whose numbers are particularly alarming. The study identifies several major contributors to the mental health crisis among the youth. According to the report, the breakdown of social bonds and excessive smartphone usage are significant factors. Overuse of smartphones is associated with issues such as sadness, anxiety, and aggression at a young age. Additionally, smartphone exposure disrupts sleep and increases sensitivity to harmful content, including cyberbullying and online predators. This habit also negatively impacts diet and overall health. The report further states that pesticides and microplastics commonly found in food and water pose risks to brain development, particularly affecting children. The findings underscore the serious deterioration of mental health in Hyderabad and emphasise the urgent need to address its causes. First Published: April 22, 2025, 16:48 IST
Time of India
21-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Hyderabad blues: city not in best of moods, finds report
Hyderabad blues: city not in best of moods HYDERABAD : The mental health of Hyderabad's youth is in a state of distress, according to a new global study. The Mental State of the World Report 2024 , published by Washington DC-based Sapien Labs, ranks Hyderabad among the lowest metro cities in India for mental well-being. The city scored just 58.3 on the Mental Health Quotient (MHQ) scale—well below the global average of 63—and second only to Delhi's 54.4. The report, based on responses from over 75,000 individuals aged 18 to 55+, paints a grim picture. The MHQ scale categorizes mental well-being from 'distressed' to 'thriving'. Hyderabad's average falls between the 'enduring' and 'managing' categories. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo 'As many as 32% of Hyderabadis fall into the 'distressed' or 'struggling' categories—marked by poor emotional regulation, strained relationships, and diminished mental performance,' said Shailender Swaminathan, Director at Sapien Labs. Young adults most affected The numbers are particularly worrying among young adults. While people aged 55 and above scored a 'succeeding' 102.4—on par with global benchmarks—those aged 18 to 24 averaged just above 27 points, placing them firmly in the 'enduring' category. 'Nearly half of young adults report debilitating levels of distress,' said Tara Thiagarajan, chief scientist at Sapien Labs. The report highlights four major drivers of the youth mental health crisis—factors that are especially relevant in cities like Hyderabad. Smartphones to blame? The foremost factor is the breakdown of social bonds. 'Performance-driven, individualistic mindsets have eroded traditional support sy stems such as families and close friendships. Combined with increased parental neglect and even abuse, this has fuelled a surge in loneliness,' the report noted. The second driver is early smartphone use. Sapien Labs found a strong correlation between early smartphone ownership among children and significantly higher risks of sadness, anxiety, aggression, suicidal thoughts, and detachment from reality. 'Early exposure to smartphones disrupts sleep, increases vulnerability to harmful content like cyberbullying and online predators, and impairs social cognition, such as reading facial expressions and understanding group dynamics.' Diet, toxins a concern Diet is another critical factor. The report found that individuals who frequently consume ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are three times more likely to experience mental distress. 'UPF consumption has surged in the past 15 years, and our data suggests it may account for up to 30% of mental health distress in some cases,' the report noted. The fourth major factor is exposure to environmental toxins. Pesticides, heavy metals, and microplastics—now commonly found in food and water—pose direct threats to brain development, especially in children and adolescents, the report concluded.
